Surrender

"Matt 28:19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The day before the drama unfolded on an overcast, rainy eventually sunny 112 mile bike and more so at mile two of the marathon portion of the 2006 Ironman (see previous post), Jay Fetterman (FCA Board member) went all in at Lake Placid in his faith. Pastor Derek Spain and I had the blessing of baptizing Jay after the Iron Prayer service the night before the race (picture above).

As competitors, we invest all in performing and equipment to achieve dreams, accomplish goals and find purpose. Jay said when he completed Ironman Florida in 2004 he was looking for purpose but still felt empty after the race. 500 hours of training and 12.5 hours of racing for the Ironman medal but empty. We do not hold back for the accomplishments we desire but we often hold our "spiritual hand."

Jay gave his life to Christ after Fla IM and then publicly acknowledged his inward commitment by following in believer's baptism at Lake Placid. Identified with the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The journey of faith is not always about personal bests. Jay less than 24 hours following baptism was relying on the power of God to finish the race. William Booth once said, "The greatness of a man's power is in the measure of his surrender."

We witnessed Jay's measure of surrender when he was immersed in water and then God's power allowing Jay to suffer well and finish his second Ironman. What a test of faith after such a spiritual landmark (baptism).

How about you? what is holding you back from going all in spiritually? I remember when fear kept me from baptism. So grateful I was immersed in 2004, our lives have not been the same since. Never let yourself stand in the way of what God has and holds for you.

Make it a great night!
Coach C